Minister in the prime minister's department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim tendered his resignation yesterday afternoon.

When some politicians continue to say things against their conscience in a bid to advance their own political gains, Zaid once again poured out the content of his heart, and was ready to face whatsoever consequences that might ensue, including the loss of his job.

The frankness of Zaid has destined his banishment from politics. He once had his party membership suspended, and was denied the chance to contest in the election to retain his parliamentary seat. Nevertheless, he was the best person employed to prove Abdullah's reform agenda--to be appointed a Cabinet minister despite the fact that he was not an elected representative, and be charged with the duties to oversee judicial reforms.

Zaid's style of doing things is that he will do his utmost if appointed any post. After being tasked to promote judicial reforms, he has been moving forward without fear and favour, and his effort is well known by all: apologising for the government's mishandling of the 1988 judicial crisis, restituting the victims and their families in the crisis, proposing the establishment of a judicial appointment committee and amendment to Article 121 (1) in the federal Constitution, among others.

His current stand in opposing the Internal Security Act will only accentuate other people's prejudices against him.

Prior to this, Zaid has taken part in the amendment of Article 11 in the federal Constitution, and been labelled by some as the "pioneer with radical demands."

While Zaid is holding firmly to his own principles, when a certain part of the system has been abused, it is not his way of doing things by opting to remain silent, or speak cautiously.

No systems are permanent in the human society. The systems have been formulated by the administrators to restrict human behaviours in a bid to preserve the regular operation of the society, which must be modified in tandem with the changes in the society. Even the most rational may become obsolete and faulty one day. When a system is found to be defective, it is the government's obligation to take the initiative to push ahead reforms.

To Zaid, reformation is the propelling force for greater progress to evade a crisis and to perfect ourselves to fit into the fast changing world.

Zaid was by far the best person to be appointed the minister in charge of judicial affairs, and this showed that the government did have the resolution to bring about reforms. Of course, calls from the public have also quickened the government's pace in bringing about reforms.

Having said that, reformation, to certain quarters, could be a menace.

Everyone knows the concept of reformation, however, everyone has his or her own way of interpreting reformation, especially in multicultural Malaysia. When a system or a procedure needs to be reformed, there are always people who fear that their interests will be eroded. Such rigidity in human mentality poses the greatest obstacle to reformation.

When everyone gets used to a system, and feels comfortable with it, it will be very difficult to persuade them and let them see the needs for reforms.

Zaid is obviously well aware of the massive mountain that stands his way. But as long as he stands firm by his faith, there is no mission which is impossible to be accomplished.

Since the day he took over the minister post in charge of judicial affairs, he has displayed his tireless effort in pushing for judicial reforms. He knows better than anyone else that judicial problems need to be handled as soon as possible, or serious implications will ensue. Having said that, unless he has greater power, and the time and money as well as cooperation from other people, it will be very hard for him to implement the necessary reforms.

He once said he joined the administration because he wanted to bring changes, not just window dressing. When encountering setback, he has but to choose to leave.

However, his departure will not render all his previous efforts null, because he has opened our eyes to that sort of noble characters and integrity that an administrator should possess. He has left behind a very important asset in the country's political culture.

His departure is a major loss to both the government and the nation. The flame of reformation that has just been ignited will have to be extinguished. With the road lying ahead of us even darker now, do we still have the luxury of talking about reforms next time? (By CHONG LIP TECK/Translated by DOMINIC LOH/Sin Chew Daily)